Story progression

Story Progression is an option in The Sims 3. It helps keep a town alive and balanced. With Story Progression uncontrolled Sims' lives progress normally. Neighbors may move away, new ones will move in, get promotions, have children, and even die. Sam PLayer had confirmed in an interview with Gamespot that the console version of The Sims 3 will have the story progression feature.

Effects

 * Sims grow older with the player's Sims, letting them keep childhood friendships.
 * Sims will sometimes have babies.
 * Sims in any inactive/uncontrolled households can be moved out.
 * Sims in inactive/uncontrolled households can switch jobs or get fired.
 * Uncontrolled Sims do not complete wishes.
 * Sims will eventually die (their graves will not be accessible unless the active family receives a phonecall saying that they have passed on; to receive this call, either someone in the household must be friends with the newly-deceased Sim, or it must be a family member).
 * Sims will sometimes get married, though it's very rare.
 * Sims may become friends, rivals, enemies, or love interests.
 * Sims may Go Steady.
 * Sims may get divorced.