Ubisoft announced the development in a statement shared with French media on Saturday, saying the company was mourning the loss and extending condolences to his family. No additional public remarks from the company were released beyond the formal acknowledgment of his death and sympathy for those close to him.
The 69-year-old entrepreneur was piloting a twin-engine Cessna 421 aircraft when it went down near La Baule, a coastal resort town known for its beaches and holiday residences. He was reportedly accompanied by a flight instructor during the flight, which had departed earlier from Rennes in northwestern France and was en route to La Baule, where he maintained a private home.
Emergency and aviation authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials have not yet determined the cause, and French aviation investigators are expected to examine both mechanical factors and flight conditions as part of the inquiry.
Guillemot played a foundational role in shaping Ubisoft during the mid-1980s, when he co-founded the company alongside his brothers. What began as a modest regional computer distribution business eventually expanded into one of the world’s most influential video game publishers, responsible for major global franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs.
Over the years, Ubisoft grew into a dominant force in interactive entertainment, with Guillemot remaining closely tied to its leadership structure. In 2025, he stepped away from day-to-day operational responsibilities, transferring executive leadership to his son, Valentin Guillemot, who now serves as CEO. Despite this transition, he retained his role as Chairman of the Board, continuing to influence the company’s long-term direction.
His death marks a significant moment for the Guillemot family, long associated with Ubisoft’s rise from a regional startup into a global gaming giant.