We have a http://www.gameinformer.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Components-ImageFileViewer/CommunityServer-Components-SiteFiles-imagefeed-featured-bethesda-elderscrolls-elderscrollsv/dragonshoutfeatured.jpg_2D00_1680x0.jpg, with a very obvious light source, and a giant rock pillar right next to the PC that doesn't cast shadows. We can't claim it's the overcast weather or draw distances on this one. I see two explanations:
1) They lied. Or at least party lied. If this is the 360 version as Todd said, then there aren't shadows on everything. It seems the same as Oblivion's lighting system for exteriors, but with full soft shadows on interiors based on that tavern screen. PC version could have better prospects.
2) These screenshots were taken before the shadow system could be properly implemented, or for some reason the shadows were disabled. God knows why.
Thoughts?
And before anyone starts with the laughable comments about graphics not mattering, and only wanting Morrowind quality graphics in this game: Some of us do care about graphics, and this thread only exists because http://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_elder_scrolls_v_skyrim/b/xbox360/archive/2011/01/17/the-technology-behind-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim.aspx the engine created shadows on everything. This is a discussion about why that comment was made and these screenshots are being posted alongside it. Not about whether graphics are more/as important as gameplay. Thanks for understanding.