Why can't shooters have the same realistic look to them like racing sims such as Project Cars. I'm talking especially of the lighting. The sunlight in those games is flawless and this question has been on my mind ever since I say GT5 for the first time, then Shift and now Project CARS.
I believe Crysis 1, 2 and 3 have stunning object detail and everything else but the lighting just stops it from being 'Photoreal'. Also I believe the best lighting in a Crysis game was in C1+Realifesis. Was hoping that 2 and 3 would be as good as that if not better.
Look at this for eg. It's a pre alpha by the way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwnDM5MxAOs
Just look at the lighting in that game. Also the road and the car for that matter.

Because they are closed circuits with barely anything going on, in general.

Even Project CARS which has absolutely insane visuals, huuuuuuuuuuge environs (such as fragments of IRL highways) and supports a gazillion cars per race has "less things in general" to worry about.

Btw, if you haven't become part of the Project CARS team (by funding the project), do so. Best money I ever spent in my life.