Unconfirmed: Bethesda Furthering Another Existing IP

According to a story running in the latest issue of Japan's Famitsu magazine, Bethesda Softworks is working on a new game "involving another developer's franchise". About Games reports:
In the latest edition of the XBox 360 Famitsu, American software developer Bethesda spoke in detail about their plans for 2009 and beyond. First, they announced they were really satisfied with the sales of Fallout 3 in Japan. Bethesda is one of the few Western developers that has managed to have any success with their games in Japan, with both Fallout 3 and Oblivion selling 100,000 copies in the region.

Further, on the wings of success, Bethesda is planning on releasing multiple games in 2009. Whether they meant developing or simply just publishing was not really clarified. They are very optimistic, indicating they will only release quality titles that would average reviews of 80%+. New Elder Scrolls? It isn't too far fetched.

The most interesting thing to note, however, is that the developer is working on a "surprising" new game involving another developer's franchise. If Fallout 3 is any indicator, whatever franchise Bethesda is working on, it's in great hands.
Byoushinn Plays and NeoGAF have similar reports, so at least we know this story is indeed running in Famitsu. I'd wait for further word before assuming it's true.