Americans might be cutting back on video game spending during the recession, but that doesn’t apply to games they’re already paying to play according to NPD’s latest research. The firm released a report today that claims 14% of American households have an active subscription to an online game. Notice the lack of a qualifier like “gaming” or “with broadband” attached to homes. No, that’s 14% of all American homes, people.

The number shows a seven percent gain year over year in subscription entertainment, whereas physical media like newspapers and magazines fell two percent. “Consumers are clearly looking to the value offered by entertainment subscriptions and like what they get for their money; plus, new technologies and products have helped bolster data plans and other newer kinds of subscription-based services,” said Russ Crupnick, an entertainment analyst for NPD.

Doubling subscription growth is obviously a huge win for the industry, maybe bigger when you consider it against something like cell phone data plan subscription, which only rose three percent since last year to a measly nine percent of the consumer base. That’s right, smartphone nerds, you’re getting crushed by World of Warcraft players.

The NPD numbers are in for September showing strong sales among MMOs in the PC market. NCSoft’s Aion topped the list, bumping last month’s Sims 3 down a slot. Third and fourth went to Champions Online and Wrath of the Lich King respectively, and the Collector’s Edition of Aion. took fifth.

Aside from the MMO scene, the list was dominated by older titles and smaller games. September wasn’t set to be a huge month for blockbuster titles, regardless of the fact that most of the major Q4 releases have been pushed to 2010. Any time Nancy Drew: Ransom of the Seven Ships is in the top 20, you know it’s been a slow month. Here’s the full list:

1. Aion
2. The Sims 3
3. Champions Online
4. World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Expansion Pack
5. Aion Collector’s Ed
6. Mumbo Jumbo Assortment
7. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe
8. World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest
9. Reel Deal Slots Treasures Of The Far East
10. World Of Warcraft
11. Spore
12. Grand Theft Auto IV
13. Starcraft: Battle Chest
14. Zuma’s Revenge
15. World Of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Expansion Pack
16. Batman: Arkham Asylum
17. Reel Deal Slots Adventure
18. Nancy Drew: Ransom Of The Seven Ships
19. Civilization IV: Complete Ed
20. The Sims 2 University Life Collection