From a market perspective, the label TGE—short for Token Generation Event—describes when a project mints and releases its native token to the wider public. Rather than only handling issuance mechanics, these debuts raise visibility and encourage community involvement across crypto.
In everyday conversation, the same milestone is often called a token launch event.
What Are Tokens in Crypto?
At their core, tokens are digital units of value issued via smart contracts on a blockchain, capable of representing access rights or real-world and on-chain assets.
Platforms such as Mintlayer and Ethereum let an issuer create and hold tokens that can stand for governance power, ownership claims, loyalty rewards, or in-game items; practically any financial instrument can be modeled in token form.
Utility, Security, and Governance Tokens
As an example of a utility asset, ML grants access to services; initially, it can be used to acquire RBB Lab offerings connected to building on Mintlayer.
During the first mainnet release, ML functions as the unit for network fees, powers smart contract execution for developers, and participates in the proof-of-stake consensus process.
When it comes to security tokens, these represent investment instruments that can be traded and they fall under the regulatory landscape overseen by bodies like the European Securities and Markets Authority and the SEC.
Within governance systems, token holders receive voting authority in a project’s organization, allowing collective decisions about its direction.
ICO vs. TGE: How They Differ
For distribution, teams employ several approaches to place tokens with the public—public sales among them—so while the destination is similar, the mechanics and circumstances diverge.
Offerings framed as an Initial Coin Offering often involve securities, whereas teams distributing utility assets commonly pursue a TGE format for their token generation.
Clear event design and messaging remain critical so participants grasp a token’s role and classification from the outset.
How Token Generation Works
Looking ahead, Mintlayer aims to become a go-to network for tokenization, combining Ethereum-like DeFi capabilities with security anchored to the Bitcoin ecosystem and its strong network effects.
On Ethereum, contracts written in Solidity handle token creation; a deployer specifies parameters such as total supply, address, and symbol. In Mintlayer, an embedded tokenization system is planned to streamline issuance and minting.
Because of deep liquidity, a resilient base layer, and mature tooling, Ethereum remains a frequent choice for token deployment.
After allocation, holders manage tokens directly in their wallet, enabling sending, receiving, trading, or selling—subject to any agreements, vesting timelines, and smart contract constraints.
Token Generation Events in Practice
Over time, what began as an internal development checkpoint has turned into a headline-grabbing public occasion, with TGEs drawing large audiences of potential supporters.
Moments when tokens are offered to the broader market continue to attract cryptocurrency speculators and mainstream observers, while also serving as a key milestone for power users who require tokens for utility and access.
