Claude Guillemot, one of the founders of the global gaming giant Ubisoft, has died in a plane crash in western France, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The studio behind blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed lost one of the figures who helped launch it nearly four decades ago.

What Happened

The crash occurred on Friday evening near La Baule airport on France’s Atlantic coast. According to a statement from Mayor Franck Louvrier, the twin-engine Cessna 421 was carrying Guillemot along with a flight instructor when it went down.

Both individuals aboard were licensed and experienced pilots, the mayor noted. Tragically, the flight instructor was also killed in the crash. An investigation into the cause is now underway.

Details of the Crash

The aircraft came down in a field just moments before it was set to land at La Baule-Escoublac Airport, according to an airport official who spoke to The Associated Press. The official requested anonymity because they were not authorized to be publicly identified.

Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death but declined to offer any further comment.

A Legacy in Gaming

Guillemot’s loss marks the passing of a key figure in the modern video game industry. He and four of his brothers founded Ubisoft in 1986, building it into one of the most recognizable names in gaming.

Beyond the wildly popular Assassin’s Creed series, Ubisoft is responsible for a wide range of beloved titles, including:

• Just Dance
• The Rayman franchise
• The Tom Clancy series of games

Over the decades, those franchises helped cement Ubisoft’s place as a major force in entertainment, reaching players around the world.

Remembering a Founder

As the investigation continues, the gaming community is left mourning the loss of a man whose vision helped shape an industry. Guillemot’s contributions, alongside those of his brothers, transformed a French startup into a global powerhouse — a legacy that will endure through the games and franchises that millions continue to enjoy.