What is probably more of a problem is how awkward the menus and general interface are to navigate around, as you need to switch between various 'modes', and menus quite often.
While there are plenty of tutorials and explanations available if they're struggling, again it's all text so they will need to be able to read fairly confidently to get the most out of The Sims 3.
The game is a bit like playing with a giant virtual dollshouse, so is conceptually quite easy to pick up and play - although there is a fair amount of reading involved, from the menus that let you order your Sims around to the various opportunities and job promotions that crop up, so reading is pretty much a necessity.
