If you haven't yet checked out the Generative Agents project referenced by OP, definitely give it a look, it's open source: https://github.com/joonspk-research/generative_agents

Over the weekend Lance Martin got it working with local models using llama.cpp and ollama.ai which saves $ on longer sims since all inference happens locally https://twitter.com/RLanceMartin/status/1690829179615657985. It's neat how the AI agents interface with each other – e.g. one will host a party and invites will be sent throughout the group