Claude Guillemot, the co-founder of one of the world’s largest video game companies, Ubisoft, has died at the age of 69 following a plane crash in France.

The company confirmed the news on Saturday, expressing deep sadness over the loss of its co-founder and chairman of the family’s hardware arm, Guillemot Corporation. Guillemot was one of two people aboard a twin-engine Cessna 421 that went down in La Baule, a resort town on France’s Atlantic coast, on Friday. Both passengers were killed.

Guillemot played a pivotal but often low-profile role in transforming Ubisoft from a small mail-order software business — started with his brothers in 1986 — into a global powerhouse responsible for blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s series. While his brother Yves became the public face as long-serving CEO, Claude served as the operational backbone, helping steer the company’s growth and the broader family entertainment business.

Claude Guillemot’s death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential families in the video game industry. From humble beginnings in France, the Guillemots built an empire that helped define modern gaming culture. Claude’s steady, strategic hand behind the scenes was instrumental in Ubisoft’s rise, even as the company navigated the high-stakes, fast-changing world of entertainment and technology.

The circumstances of the crash — occurring just before an air show in La Baule — add a layer of tragedy to an already somber moment for the Guillemot family and the gaming community. As Ubisoft and the family process this loss, many are reflecting on Claude’s lasting, if understated, impact on an industry that continues to evolve rapidly.

His contributions helped bring joy, escapism, and innovation to millions of players worldwide. Though he worked largely out of the spotlight, his influence on gaming’s golden age will not be forgotten.