Authorities in France announced Saturday that Claude Guillemot, one of the founders of the global video game company Ubisoft, was killed when a small plane went down in western France.
The aircraft, a twin-motor Cessna 421, was carrying Guillemot and a flight instructor when it crashed Friday evening near La Baule airport along the Atlantic coast. Both men were described as licensed and experienced pilots. The mayor of the area, Franck Louvrier, confirmed in a public statement that neither survived. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.
The plane 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 with the Associated Press. That official requested anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Ubisoft issued a brief statement acknowledging Guillemot’s death but declined to offer any additional comment.
Guillemot was one of five brothers who together established Ubisoft back in 1986. The company has since grown into one of the most recognized names in gaming, producing hit titles including the Assassin’s Creed series, Just Dance, and the Rayman and Tom Clancy game franchises.
