An illustration of Ashtyn Barga's sona.

ashtyn barga

PHYTODIVERGENT

PHYTODIVERGENT is my college thesis project, created to obtain my BFA in Digital Arts at Bowling Green State University. As you are placed in the shoes of a young, neurodivergent girl, explore eerie worlds in order to finally be recognized as "human."

The themes of the game were inspired by my own experiences growing up unknowingly neurodivergent, focusing on the common social struggles that we go through every day. Overstimulation was the guiding principle for the visual feel of the game, combined with the eerie aesthetic of older RPGMaker games.


Click images to view in greater detail
Phytodivergent's protagonist staring at a red reflection of herself in the sky
Phytodivergent's protagonist talking to a Worm Guy, who says We both know you're totally doomed.
A man made of vegetables saying Do you have the stomach for it? to the Phytodivergent protagonist
Phytodivergent's protagonist standing in front of a polyphemus moth covered in eyes

© Ashtyn Barga 2026