Hideo Kojima has been travelling the world in search of an engine for his next game

The famed developer behind the Metal Gear Solid series, Hideo Kojima, has revealed that his well-documented world journey has actually been a mission to find a third-party development engine for his new game to speed up the development process. Kojima previously said he and PlayStation 4 architect Mark Cerny were "searching for the newest technology" - a statement that has not been entirely clear, until now.

During a Q&A session at the Nordic Game 2016 show in Malmo, Sweden, Kojima said although he believes developing games using internally-developed tools is preferable, it does take time to build an internal engine.

"I think it's better to use internal tools to make games," he said. "But for my first title we are going to use a third-party engine because we want to release it to the people who are waiting. The reason why I'm travelling around the world is because I am looking for [an engine] to use."

Kojima's recent 'world tour' saw him meeting other game developers and visiting studios like Crytek, Guerrilla, Media Molecule, EA DICE, Mojang and Quantic Dream.

The designer also mentioned that he was initially planning on planning on making a smaller title. However, after meeting and speaking with his creative counterparts, he changed his mind.

"At the beginning I was thinking to make a small title, [but] after I met friends and acquaintances worldwide they said, 'no everyone's expecting you to make a big title'," Kojima said. "So the first title coming from me will be a big title."

When asked about a tentative release date, Kojima said: "I can't say when, but I'd like everyone to play it as soon as possible. But, this will take time."

Kojima previously told Japanese publication Famistu that his next IP will be "amazing" for "users who enjoy today's AAA games" like The Division and Uncharted.

"When it is announced, you might think 'that's not that outstanding,'" he said. "But you'll understand when you see it and play it. The genre is action."

While travelling the world in search of the new technology, Kojima took to Twitter to reflect on some of his findings saying you need more than technology "to make magic".

He also recently revealed the full body for his studio's logo, which he previously described as "very cool".

After officially leaving Konami in December, Kojima announced the formation of a brand new, independent studio - Kojima Productions - and a partnership with Sony to ensure his next new IP will be released as a console exclusive on PS4 as well as on PC.