Are you ready to go treasure hunting?

Vampires and pirates have become more and more popular over the years and The Sims 3 has adapted to these trends by developing new content. EA has the Vampire-lovers covered with the upcoming Late Night expansion, so it makes sense that something pirate-themed would be coming, too. Titled Barnacle Bay, the new area was once filled with scoundrels but is now a vacation getaway.

Barnacle Bay will be available exclusively at The Sims 3 Store for a yet to be determined price point on September 23, 2010. You can learn more about what the new add-on has to offer in the Q&A session below.

IGN: What are the new playable character(s) in this expansion?

EA: There are over 50 new world Sims living in Barnacle Bay, most of which are brand new characters, but you might recognize some familiar faces. There are quite a range of characters from Dude LaMer, a directionless surfer bum that can't get a second date with a girl, to Rose Rome, an elderly gypsy that has been seen rummaging through trash. You might even come across a few pirates while exploring the island.

 IGN: What are some of the new NPC Sims that are in Barnacle Bay?

EA: Barnacle Bay is full of some colorful NPCs. My favorite is Roni Pepper (ha!), a slobby, scruffy pizza delivery guy with no sense of fashion. And Brian Adoyo, a scientist that uses food as examples when explaining scientific theories. There are over 25 new NPCs to create your own story with.

 IGN: Will Simlish sound different for Pirate characters?

EA: One of the great things about Create-a-Sim is that you can create a custom voice for any character. You can also create your very own pirate characters using the pirate-themed clothing and accessories that are included with Barnacle Bay. There is also Buccaneer's Bounty, a pirate-themed clothing and object set available in The Sims 3 Store. You can make your Swashbuckler Sims sound and look however you want!

 IGN: What kind of loot will you be able to find?

EA: There are hidden insects, fish, gem and mineral spawners all over the island for explorer Sims to find. There is even a secret Pirate's Hideaway, but I'm not telling you where it is. You have to explore the island to find it yourself.

 IGN: What sort of new houses will be available? Is it possible to live in a pirate ship?

EA: Sims can eat in a pirate ship! Hogan's Deep Sea Diner is a nautical diner where Sims can grab a bite to eat with friends. Players can also build custom pirate-themed houses with the new objects that are included in Barnacle Bay, such as porthole doors and windows, wharf and stone fences, and more!

IGN: Will you be able to sail around the Bay and swim below the water to discover sunken treasures and ships?

EA: No, there will be no sailing ships or taking a dip in the ocean.

 IGN: What sort of pirate-themed Sim deaths will you be able to re-create? Can you make them walk the plank?

EA: There are no new deaths in Barnacle Bay. However, you can always starrrrrrrrve your newly created pirates.

 IGN: Will things like peg legs, eye patches and hook hands become available in the Sim creator?

EA: There are 7 new pirate-themed clothing and accessory items included with Barnacle Bay. You can dress any Sim you create as a pirate! These new assets include hats, boots and pirate clothing.

 IGN: Can you challenge other Sims to sword fights?

EA: Not exactly, but I'm sure you will see plenty of bar fights in the Wanderer's Watering Hole, a new pub located in downtown Barnacle Bay.

 IGN: Can we expect any surprise ninja attacks?

EA: There will be no surprise ninja attacks (and we couldn't tell you about them because then they wouldn't be surprises).