Ubisoft Co-Founder Dies in Plane Crash in France

A key figure in the rise of one of gaming's biggest publishers has died in a plane crash in western France. Claude Guillemot, who helped launch Ubisoft in 1986 alongside his four brothers, was 69. French media and the AP report the crash occurred Friday near the coastal resort of La Baule, killing Guillemot and a flight instructor. Mayor Franck Louvrier described them both as licensed and experienced pilots and said witnesses said the plane "banked and crashed" during its approach to the town's airport.

Ubisoft, whose games include the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry franchises, Just Dance, and the Tom Clancy series, remains under family control, with brother Yves Guillemot serving as CEO. Claude Guillemot also chaired Guillemot Corp., a maker of gaming and audio accessories. In a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by his death, TechCrunch reports Ubisoft offered condolences to his family and said it would not comment further.