Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft, died in a plane crash. Yves Guillemot, the company's CEO and Claude's brother, released a statement honoring his memory.
Claude Guillemot helped establish Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his brothers Yves, Michel, and Dominique. The studio grew into one of the world's largest game publishers, responsible for franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Splinter Cell, and Rainbow Six. Claude served in leadership roles during Ubisoft's critical early years as the company expanded from a small French outfit into a global entertainment powerhouse.
Yves Guillemot's tribute acknowledged Claude's contributions to building the studio into what it became. The statement expressed the family's grief while recognizing the impact Claude made on the gaming industry and the company's foundation.
The incident marks a significant loss for the gaming industry. Ubisoft remains operational under current leadership, with Yves Guillemot continuing as CEO. The company recently navigated turbulent years following workplace misconduct allegations and subsequent leadership changes. Ubisoft has been restructuring its output, focusing resources on fewer, higher-quality releases after a string of disappointing launches including Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones.
Claude's death arrives during a period of transformation for the publisher he helped create. His role in Ubisoft's early development cemented his legacy as a foundational figure in modern gaming history.