A few definitions

[Dunenewt]

What roles do Publishers, Developers, and Distributers play in the Gaming Industry?

[Caid Ivik]

none  ;D

[Cyborg]

Developers are making the games.

The publishers and distributers are selling the games, and the publishers get a good share of the sale.

[Terror]

Developers make the game

Publishers invest in the creation of the game and they release it

Distributers distribute the game around the world, do marketing etc. (i think...)

[bryorama]

I think Rene hit the nail on the head.

[Apollyon]

Publishers tend to fulfill the role of distributer as well, unless you mean specific selling chains, which may also be named 'distributers'.

[kkbrando]

I wouldn't know, Believe me.