Claude Guillemot, co-founder of French video game publisher Ubisoft, died on Friday at the age of 69 following a plane crash in the French resort town of La Baule, according to French media reports.
Guillemot was one of two people aboard the aircraft. Both were killed in the crash.
He co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his four brothers, helping transform the company from a small family-run business into one of the world's largest video game publishers. Ubisoft is best known for franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia, Rainbow Six, and other Tom Clancy titles.
The Guillemot family continues to maintain control of Ubisoft, with Yves Guillemot serving as the company's chief executive officer.
Beyond Ubisoft, Claude Guillemot was chairman of Guillemot Corp., the French gaming and audio accessories company behind brands such as Thrustmaster and Hercules.
"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," the company said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time."
Guillemot's death marks the loss of one of the key figures behind the rise of France's video game industry and one of the founding architects of Ubisoft's global expansion.
