For the third blog in our series, our artists reveal how they set about recreating Alma Wheatley’s home; a picture-perfect 1960s living space from The Queen’s Gambit.
How We Rebuilt Alma’s House
Alma’s living room is a pivotal interior in the show. It eventually plays a huge role in shaping Beth on her journey to the very top of international chess. With its unmistakably mid-century decor, we consider it one of the most iconic sets from the show.
Though Beth eventually, comes to redecorate (more on that later!) we’re focusing on her adoptive mother’s space and how we find it when we first meet her; a space that screams the American dream.
“Production designer Uli Hanisch’s work made redesigning Alma’s Home for the game a real treat for our art team. In the series, this interior set is incredibly detailed and uses a tonne of mid-century pieces to perfectly capture that moment in time.
Our team studied it frame-by-frame in order to recreate it as faithfully as we possibly could. It was important to us that players experienced being immersed in this space – one that becomes pivotal to Beth’s upbringing.” – Matt Beech, Artist
The Details: Alma’s House
Our artists are always looking to build in as much detail as they can. Here are some of the aspects of the art direction that make the game version of Alma’s lounge feel just like its TV counterpart.
The Chess Board
The chess board here is a replica of the one Beth uses early on in the show. It’s balanced delicately on the sofa, supported and levelled by her books.
“Wherever we can, we have used reference shots and set photos to recreate props using as much detail as possible. In this environment, the placement of the chess board was key. It’s the exact board she uses, propped up on the chess books she studies. Once she settles in, Alma’s living room is this rare place where Beth feels most comfortable and at home. We wanted to reflect that comfort with the playing position.” – Matt Beech, Artist
Mid-century Features
From the grand emerald green couch to the art deco mantlepiece, Alma’s living room is full to the brim with extravagant mid-century furnishings.
“Our aim was to try and achieve what the show did and ensure that players were immersed in The Queen’s Gambit world at every turn. Everything in this room, from the TV trolley to that incredible piano, was carefully modelled to create that immersive experience.” – Jake Parrott, 3D Artist
The Queen’s Gambit Easter Eggs
Huge fan of the show? Go back and see if you can spot any easter eggs in our chosen screenshots.
What location from the game would you like us to give the deep dive treatment next? Let us know on the official The Queen’s Gambit Chess Twitter.
Had fun with your peak behind the scenes into the making of The Methuen Home Basement? What location from the game would you like us to give the deep dive treatment next? Let us know on the official The Queen’s Gambit Chess Twitter.