In Mauga's origin story, I imagine he came from a place with a rich but dangerous history. His family or community might have been involved in some sort of conflict, which led to him having to step up at a young age. He could have been exposed to some ancient power source or technology that he gradually harnessed. As he grew, he faced numerous adversaries, and each encounter taught him something new. This continuous process of learning and fighting in the face of danger molded him into the formidable character we know, with his own backstory and motivation that drive his actions in the game.
One way is through education. Letting fans know what is considered appropriate and inappropriate in terms of fanfic. Also, promoting positive and respectful fan - made works can help shift the focus away from such inappropriate things. For example, highlighting well - written character - centric fan - fictions that enhance the Overwatch lore.
They add depth to Tracer's character. By exploring her being hurt, we see different sides of her, like her vulnerability. This makes her more relatable to fans.
They fill in the gaps. For instance, the short stories might explain a hero's backstory that isn't fully covered in the game. This makes the world of Overwatch feel more complete.
They add diversity to the fandom's creative output. By changing the genders of characters, new stories and interpretations are possible. It allows fans to explore different aspects of the characters' personalities that might not be as obvious in the original game.
I'm not sure exactly, but there are a few series and special editions. You might want to check the official Overwatch website or comic book stores for a precise count.