You could not bother with scales, especially if you read music. You just play what is written on the page.
This does make playing difficult. The key signature at the front of the music designates which notes are sharp or flat. Essentially the scale.
When playing by music if the scale is known then automatically the sharp or flat notes are known as the scale is remembered. Without knowing the scale a pianist would need to keep checking the key signature to check sharp and flat notes.
If playing without music the notes to be used have to be remembered continuously whereas if the scale is known the notes to be used are automatic in the pianist’s head.
So I would say that scales are very important to be known. although in the beginning, they may be a little tedious to learn. In the long run of your playing career knowing scales is invaluable.
In Short LEARN YOUR SCALES you won’t regret it.
The major scales are the first ones you should learn to play.