Claude Guillemot, a founder of the renowned video game publisher Ubisoft, died in a plane crash in western France on Friday. He was 69 years old. Known for creating the successful Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry franchises, Guillemot established Ubisoft with his brothers in 1986.
A spokesperson for Ubisoft expressed the company’s sorrow over Guillemot’s passing, stating, “Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Further details about the crash and Guillemot’s death were not disclosed.
The French news network ICI reported that a twin-engine Cessna 421, carrying two individuals, crashed near La Baule, a seaside resort in western France. The accident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday as the plane attempted to approach the local airport. Witnesses observed it “bank and crash,” confirming the death of both passengers, including Guillemot. The second passenger remains unidentified at this time.
Guillemot co-founded Ubisoft Entertainment alongside his four brothers, expanding from early releases like Zombi to the popular platformer Rayman in the 1990s. Ubisoft captured a significant portion of the video game market, particularly with Assassin’s Creed. The historical action-adventure series debuted in 2007, exploring the conflict between two secret societies and attracting approximately 200 million players. The latest iteration, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, immerses players in 16th-century Japan, where they face adversaries threatening the region.
A New York Times review praised the game’s depiction of Japan, noting its “stunningly realized depiction” and its ability to deliver a “fascinating, grounded picture beyond the wild, natural world.” The game received some criticism for introducing a Black samurai character named Yasuke. Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur, criticized Shadows as an example of “D.E.I. kills art,” referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ubisoft responded by reminding players that its games remain fictional, despite Yasuke being a historical figure.
Ubisoft’s film and television division is developing adaptations of the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry series, striving to bring these games to new media.
Separate from Ubisoft, the Guillemot Corporation specializes in manufacturing gaming accessories and audio equipment. The corporation continues its operations following the founder’s passing.
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