Is it really bad that if I want to work in the game industry, but rarely find enough time after work/doing tutorials/watching documentaries to play the bunches of awesome-looking games that are out there? Is that important research I'm sadly missing?
Well if you really want a job, you should spend your time working on your portfolio anyway. It's pretty much up to you, if you feel that playing/researching games will make you a better artist then go for it.