THE founder of global gaming giant Ubisoft has died in a horror plane crash in France.
Claude Guillemot was killed on Friday evening near La Baule airport on the Atlantic coast, Mayor Franck Louvrier confirmed.
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Ubisoft founder Claude Guillemot has been killed in a plane crash in France Credit: Getty
He was one of the founders of gaming company Ubisoft in 1986 Credit: AP
The 69-year-old was piloting a twin-engine Cessna 421 under the supervision of a flight instructor when the tragedy struck.
The instructor also died in the crash, the mayor added.
Both men were licensed and experienced pilots.
Ubisoft confirmed Guillemot’s death, but said it would not comment further.
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Ubisoft created the Assassin’s Creed gaming franchise Credit: PA
Other big titles include party favourite Just Dance Credit: Handout
In a statement, the multi-million dollar company said: “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.”
It added: “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
“No further statements will be made at this time.”
An investigation is now underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Guillemot and his four brothers founded Ubisoft in 1986, building it into one of the world’s biggest gaming companies.
Over the decades, the company expanded globally, building major development studios including Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Paris and Ubisoft Toronto.
They went on to create blockbuster franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Rayman and Tom Clancy’s series, which have spanned decades.
The public face of the company has been Yves Guillemot, who serves as Ubisoft’s CEO and chairman.
Claude Guillemot was chairman and CEO of Guillemot Corporation, which specialises in gaming accessories and related brands.
In recent years, the company has seen its value fall sharply, from around $23 per share in 2018 to $1.12 today.
