Unreal Engine Versus Unity 3D

The gaming industry has revolutionised dramatically with the advent of advanced technology, propelled by two immensely popular game engines known as Unreal Engine and Unity 3D. Both platforms offer developers a myriad of qualities; however, they are significantly distinct. This paper endeavours to offer a comprehensive comparison between the two platforms in terms of usability, capabilities and community support.

Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, serves as a complete suite of creation tools designed to foster the development of impressive, real-time technology for all types of creators. Conversely, Unity 3D, established by Unity Technologies, provides a versatile and user-friendly environment conducive to single and multiplayer game development. Both platforms find usage across various sectors such as gaming, automotive, film, and training simulations, yet they differ substantially on several fronts.

In terms of usability, Unity 3D oftentimes comes across as the more accessible choice, especially for beginners. Its user interface is more friendly and intuitive, making it easier for novices to find their way around the engine. Moreover, Unity adopts C# as the primary programming language, which is comparatively simpler to learn and use than Unreal Engine's C++. Thus, Unity tends to be the go-to option for indie developers or small teams with limited resources.

On the other hand, Unreal Engine shines in its superior visual capabilities. With a robust toolset meant for designing photorealistic environments and character models, it undeniably steals the show. It prides itself upon the Blueprint visual scripting system, a fast and intuitive way of creating game mechanics without having to code extensively. The Level Designer, a state-of-art tool within Unreal, permits developers to create detailed environments that can push the boundaries of realism. As such, this engine finds favour with AAA game development studios aiming to produce visually stunning games.

Unity 3D, however, is not far behind when it comes to capabilities. It is pertinent to note that Unity's power lies in its flexibility and extensibility, allowing it to support a multitude of platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, AR/VR, and more. Owing to this versatility, Unity has amassed a considerable amount of interest from developers intending to build small to mid-tier games or to deploy onto multiple platforms simultaneously. 

Regarding costs, both Unreal Engine and Unity 3D implement different pricing models. While Unity offers several subscription options with varying perks, Unreal Engine employs a royalty-based approach, obligating developers to pay a percentage of their game profits after a specific revenue point. These differences might heavily influence a developer or studio's choice of engine.

When it comes to community and support, both Unreal Engine and Unity 3D command vast and vibrant communities. Numerous forums, tutorials, assets stores, and documentation are available for both engines that significantly aid in troubleshooting and learning. However, it can be conjectured that Unity's user base is larger owing to its ease of use, thus making its community more lively and active.

In conclusion, the choice between Unreal Engine and Unity 3D significantly depends on the type of project, team size, goals, resources, and deadlines at hand. Unity 3D, with its accessible interface and extensive platform support, may be ideally suited for indie developers or smaller projects that value multi-platform release. On the other hand, Unreal Engine, with its high-fidelity graphics and powerful visual scripting, constitutes an ideal choice for bigger teams intending to deliver visually striking experiences. Appreciating the unique qualities of each engine can pave the way for incorporating the appropriate tool for each project, thus enriching the gaming landscape and serving the diversity of gamers' expectations.